The Power of PlayExercising the benefits of play for a healthy

societyGate 2, October 31 2008, Presented by Annie Lum

ABSTRACT

Play, as education, is the key that will lead society to a brighter, healthier future.

This project will put traditional ways of learning aside to explore creative growth and development through play by designing a public arena in which children can freely express their thoughts through explorative, dramatic, independent, constructive and/or social outlets.

Gate 2, October 31 2008, Annie Lum

INTRODUCTION

Childhood is temporary, so we must prepare our children for their sustained adulthood with positivism, creativity and a nurturing approach.

Gate 2, October 31 2008, Annie Lum

The objective for my part of the project is to organize my research into approximately four phases:

1. Abstract all research that supports the theory that play is vital for humans in childhood.

2. Find and outline research that discusses at what age play is the most valuable.

3. In depth research about types of play with a focus on one or two types that interests me most.

• Analyze current practices and exercises that teach children through play. Brainstorm and design new approaches.

Each child has an enormous capacity for learning and the potential to achieve in different ways.

BACKGROUND

It is difficult to separate play and learning/education for children. But as the history of our current education system illustrates, a separation of these two fundamental aspects of childhood has occurred to the detriment of children, adults and ultimately, society.

For this project to be successfully realized we need a fresh, public arena to set the stage for a cognitive playground where every child can explore the benefits of play. The re-launch/re-branding of The Children’s Own Museum is a great opportunity for this project.

Gate 2, October 31 2008, Annie Lum

RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS

Further research will be conducted through workshops with both children and adults

• Interviews • Direct Observations• Surveys • Articles/books• Scenario building

Through the research, several early conclusions include: • Play is a fundamental part of child development• There is a wide range of teaching methods that incorporate play • Play not only benefits children but adults as well• As one ages, play is still present but takes on different forms• Creative outlets are falling short next to academic courses• Society and culture are changing quickly; we must redesign education

to meet these changes

Gate 2, October 31 2008, Annie Lum

PRIMARY STAKEHOLDER ANALYSIS

Gate 2, October 31 2008, Annie Lum

PRINCIPLES AND CRITERIA

To create an experience that is accessible to all.

To inspire children to continue to play and apply lessons to their lifestyle for both mental and physical health.

To create an atmosphere where museum visitors are comfortable and open to imagine, make, learn, share, and collaborate.

To create new tools where visitors can learn from playful experiences.

To provide the ability for visitors to take away life lessons that can be applied to daily life.

To design a curriculum for our future society and culture.

To create an environment that encourages developmental learning.

Gate 2, October 31 2008, Annie Lum

PRINCIPLES/CRITERIA

Gate 2, October 31 2008, Annie Lum

SCENARIOS

01 STORYTELLING THROUGH THE EYES OF A CHILD

Creative writing contest

02 THE CURIOUS LIBRARY FOR THE CURIOUS MINDA library of oddities

Gate 2, October 31 2008, Annie Lum

NEXT STEPS

Further research into current grade school curriculum

Interview Montessori teachers

Participate in a play group with five to seven year olds

Define subjects for a life curriculum

Gate 2, October 31 2008, Annie Lum

RESOURCES

PLAY & CREATIVITY: LEARNhttp://www.aplaceofourown.org/learn_more.php?id=5

PTI: PLAY THERAPY INTERNATIONALhttp://www.playtherapy.org/playdefinition1.html

LEARNING TO PLAY: A CONSTRUCTIVIST WORKSHOP FOR ADULTShttp://journal.naeyc.org/btj/200305/ConstructWorkshops_Chalufour.pdf

IMAGINATION IS IMPORTANThttp://primaryschool.suite101.com/article.cfm/imagination_in_kids_is_important

NEW AAP REPORT STRESSES PLAY FOR HEALTHY DEVELOPMENThttp://www.aap.org/pressroom/play-public.htm

THE IMPORTANCE OF PLAY IN DEVELOPMENThttp://www.aap.org/pressroom/playFINAL.pdf

PLAY, PROBLEM SOLVING AND COMMUNICATIONhttp://www.tomholman.com/play.htm

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATIONhttp://www.lead.ece.govt.nz/default.htm

CHILD DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTEwww.childdevelopmentinfo.com

A THEORY OF FUNKoster, Raph. Theory of Fun for Game Design. New York: Paraglyph P, 2004.

THE WELL-PLAYED GAME: A PLAYFUL PATH TO WHOLENESSDeKoven, Bernie. The Well-Played Game : A Playful Path to Wholeness. New York: Writers Club P, 2002. 

LAPHAM’S QUARTERLYFoucault, Michael. "1975: Paris." Lapham's Quarterly 1 (Fall 2008): 37.

Jefferson, Thomas. "1818: Charlottesville." Lapham's Quarterly 1 (Fall 2008): 28-29.

Lapham, Lewis H., ed. "Preamble." Lapham's Quarterly 1 (Fall 2008): 13-21.

OUT OF OUR MINDS: LEARNING TO BE CREATIVERobinson, Ken. Out of Our Minds: Learning to be Creative. West Sussex: Capstone Publishing, 2001.  PLAY FROM BIRTH TO TWELVE: CONTEXTS, PERSPECTIVES AND MEANINGFromberg, Doris P, ed. Play From Birth to Twelve: Contexts, Perspectives and Meanings. New York: Routledge, 2006.

THE MONTESSORI CONTROVERSYChattin-McNichols, John. The Montessori Controversy. San Diego: Singular, 1992.

MONTESSORI: A MODERN APPROACHLillard, Paula P. Montessori: A Modern Approach. New York: Schocken Books Inc, 1972.

“When children play, the world wins.” - Right to Play